The 1960s were a turbulent time for America. There was a rise of counter cultures and the backlash from the main stream. One of the polarizing issues of the day was the Vietnam war. The Vietnam war caused a massive social divide between the disenfranchised youth and the so called "silent majority". Most Americans thought that the antiwar protestors were at best foolish, naive children and at worst traitors.The antiwar protestors were appalled by the loss of life in Vietnam and the senselessness of the conflict. Many felt that they were not being represented and went to the streets to protest. The photograph was taken at one of those protests. On October 21st 1967, thousands of antiwar protestors converged on the Pentagon. The photograph, taken by Marc Riboud, was a juxtaposition between the ideals of violence and peace. The stark contrast between the dangerous guns pointed at the woman's face and the harmless flower she is offering in return fit well in the time of turmoil. At the protest many were arrested and beaten by those guarding the Pentagon. The continued violence against unarmed protestors really helped elevate the images emotional effect. The government's overreaction to the protestors led many to sympathize with the protestors. The violence and strife of the 1960's helped accentuate the photograph's message of peace.
Tuesday, September 30, 2014
The Kairos Behind the Flower in the Gun
The 1960s were a turbulent time for America. There was a rise of counter cultures and the backlash from the main stream. One of the polarizing issues of the day was the Vietnam war. The Vietnam war caused a massive social divide between the disenfranchised youth and the so called "silent majority". Most Americans thought that the antiwar protestors were at best foolish, naive children and at worst traitors.The antiwar protestors were appalled by the loss of life in Vietnam and the senselessness of the conflict. Many felt that they were not being represented and went to the streets to protest. The photograph was taken at one of those protests. On October 21st 1967, thousands of antiwar protestors converged on the Pentagon. The photograph, taken by Marc Riboud, was a juxtaposition between the ideals of violence and peace. The stark contrast between the dangerous guns pointed at the woman's face and the harmless flower she is offering in return fit well in the time of turmoil. At the protest many were arrested and beaten by those guarding the Pentagon. The continued violence against unarmed protestors really helped elevate the images emotional effect. The government's overreaction to the protestors led many to sympathize with the protestors. The violence and strife of the 1960's helped accentuate the photograph's message of peace.
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This post really captured the kairos behind this picture. One thing to watch is the connection of your ideas within the paragraph. I feel like the part about the majority of Americans is sort of awkwardly wedged in and does not flow nicely. Also, I would look to try to link out more to real world events. There were opportunities int he paragraph, like when you talk about the protest at the Pentagon.
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